I'm currently propped up in a hospital bed, waiting for the pharmacist to mix my next dose of meds to combat the rejection they found in my kidney yeaterday. I'll be here through Thanksgiving, and am hoping to be home on Friday evening. I try not to plan too much on discharge times, because things can happen between now and then, but my goal for today is Friday.
This sucks. I won't try to pretend otherwise. I haven't seen my sister and her family in months, and I love the traditional Thanksgiving meal. I was going to make a Bar Harbor Cranberry Pie and a quinoa-stuffed butternut squash, but my body had other plans.
If I'm going to be stuck here, with an IV in my hand and sucky internet connectivity, what better time to collect my thoughts and think about what I'm really and truly grateful for.
1. My amazing husband. He's always there for me, and picks up the slack when I'm not feeling 100%.
2. Max. Brings me more joy than I thought possible, and inspires and motivates me to do better every day.
3. My family. We drive each other crazy, of course, but I can't imagine my life without them in it. No matter what curve balls we'r thrown, I know I can rely on them always.
4. Old friends. People who knew Jamie and I before we were us. Twenty or more years of friendship, and they only get more precious to me with each passing day.
5. And new ones. Have you ever met someone and just known, right off the bat, that you'd met someone who would be important to you? Blogging has brought so many of these new friends into my life, it's kind of overwhelming.
6. My medical team. They have saved my life more than a few times, and even now, this very moment, they're at it again, with the lifesaving thing.
7. Those brothers I met in the waiting room yesterday. Seeing their anticipation and excitement, seeing the look on the recipient brother's face when I told him that yes, I felt differnt right away. Seeing his girlfriend's smile as we exchanged stories. That was a gift I needed yesterday.
8. Coffee. Because, duh.
9. Chocolate. Because, see number 8.
10. My words. I have my words, and can use them to share my story. My BTDT, my imagination, my passion, my experiences. The gift of writing is one that I will always cherish.
11. My job. I work for an amazing comoany, doing what I am passionate about. What more could I want?
Ugg. I hate ending lists on an odd number. Oh well!
So tell me: What are thankful for today?
#5. I’m thankful for YOU. And today, I’m thankful for your team of doctors who see fit to put you in the hospital to slow/stop rejection. The beauty of Thanksgiving is that wherever you are, it is. I’m sure there will be a do-over for your Turkey Day feast, especially with things like quinoa stuffed butternut squash on the menu.
xoxo
Jana took my idea! I’m thankful for you – my friend – and for all my bloggy friends. What an incredible world we’ve fallen into here, don’t you think? I send you love and hugs and prayers, and ask you to tell me when you get home so I can send you goodies! xo
I’m thankful for my son, my friends, my family. And I’m thankful I will get to see my mom today!
xoxo
I’m thankful that my husband’s profession has allowed me to rewire my brain to tell me that “holidays” are because of the people, not the calendar date.
Thanksgiving will happen.
I am thankful for so much in my life. I’m very thankful that you have a wonderful team of doctors to help you and such a loving and supportive family. You deserve a much better Thanksgiving my friend. Healing hugs and love coming your way!
*big hugs* I am grateful for having met you last month. You rock. And I’m grateful for your medical team, too.
I am grateful for my family and friends and grateful that you have the ability to write and share your story with us. I’ve never met you but you seem like such a wonderful person and as others have said the holidays is not necessarily the day the calendar says it is, I’m sure you will celebrate when you get home.